Based on his live one-man show Rock & Roll Politics, the broadcaster and author Steve Richards takes a weekly behind-the-scenes tour of UK politics and the media that shapes the way we view the epic political dramas. The future is ridiculously unpredictable and the past is so easy to misread. Subscribe to your weekly guide through seismic times.
…
continue reading
1
What happens if thousands flee Syria?
55:22
55:22
Later Afspelen
Later Afspelen
Lijsten
Vind ik leuk
Leuk
55:22
• Give or get 20% off a year’s Patreon support for the pod in our Black Friday sale. What happens if thousands flee Syria? Where do they go? Can borders be ‘closed’ when asylum demands rise? The movement of people is the second crisis of the global economy after the financial crash, but there has been no global response. Plus brilliant questions fr…
…
continue reading
1
Will Keir Starmer’s ‘relaunch’ make a difference?
49:08
49:08
Later Afspelen
Later Afspelen
Lijsten
Vind ik leuk
Leuk
49:08
• Give or get 20% off a year’s Patreon support for the pod in our Black Friday sale. Keir Starmer will make a big speech on Thursday that is being perceived as a ‘relaunch’, though Number 10 are keen to insist it is nothing of the sort. But is this a government with a clear sense of purpose? And if so, do voters know what that purpose is? Plus bril…
…
continue reading
1
Is Starmer Moving Closer to Europe?
49:51
49:51
Later Afspelen
Later Afspelen
Lijsten
Vind ik leuk
Leuk
49:51
• Give or get 20% off a year’s Patreon support for the pod in our Black Friday sale. The government is advertising for a senior civil servant to work on a detailed ‘reset’ of the UK’s relations with the EU. Can the changes be of any significance? Will Trump be a factor in limiting the government’s ambitions? And how far will the government dare to …
…
continue reading
1
What’s Wes Streeting up to?
53:04
53:04
Later Afspelen
Later Afspelen
Lijsten
Vind ik leuk
Leuk
53:04
• Give or get 20% off a year’s Patreon support for the pod in our Black Friday sale. Wes Streeting has enjoyed a high profile under Keir Starmer so far. Recently he made a significant intervention in the debate over assisted dying, while announcing the first Alan Milburn inspired NHS reforms. What will the consequences be? Plus brilliant questions …
…
continue reading
1
Can Starmer connect with “the left behind”?
58:05
58:05
Later Afspelen
Later Afspelen
Lijsten
Vind ik leuk
Leuk
58:05
• Give or get 20% off a year’s Patreon support for the pod in our Black Friday sale.. Increasing numbers of voters feel disconnected from what happens in Westminster, Washington D.C, and most places where democratic politics is played out, leaving space for populists to feed off the angry indifference. Can the likes of Keir Starmer address the ‘peo…
…
continue reading
1
Can Kemi Badenoch revive the Tories?
54:55
54:55
Later Afspelen
Later Afspelen
Lijsten
Vind ik leuk
Leuk
54:55
The Conservatives have elected yet another leader in yet another challenging context. Does Kemi Badenoch have the epic qualities required to revive the party’s fortunes? Plus: the Budget, Harris v Trump, more brilliant questions from the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, and important assembly notices. See Rock & Roll Politics live: • The Ropetack…
…
continue reading
1
Will the budget be a historic turning point?
55:33
55:33
Later Afspelen
Later Afspelen
Lijsten
Vind ik leuk
Leuk
55:33
This week Rachel Reeves will deliver the most anticipated budget in modern times. Can she significantly change the UK’s economic prospects and the course of a wobbly government? Plus brilliant questions from the Rock& Roll Politics co-operative, and important assembly notices. Rock & Roll Politics Live: • The Ropetackle in Shoreham, Weds 6 Nov. Tic…
…
continue reading
1
Are some chancellors more powerful than their prime ministers?
50:05
50:05
Later Afspelen
Later Afspelen
Lijsten
Vind ik leuk
Leuk
50:05
Some chancellors determine the fate of their governments with their budget – and Rachel Reeves may do so on October 30th. But prime ministers have no equivalent levers. Does this make some chancellors more powerful than their prime ministers? Support Rock & Roll politics on Patreon. Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on November 27th. Come…
…
continue reading
1
What is the most underrated quality in a leader?
59:22
59:22
Later Afspelen
Later Afspelen
Lijsten
Vind ik leuk
Leuk
59:22
I am obsessed by the qualities required to be an effective leader, as members of the co-operative know. On reflecting on the death of Alex Salmond I discovered another underexplored quality in leadership – and I discuss the significance of Labour’s attempt to create an active state. Plus brilliant questions from the Rock n Roll Politics co-operativ…
…
continue reading
1
Will the departure of Sue Gray boost Starmer’s government?
47:05
47:05
Later Afspelen
Later Afspelen
Lijsten
Vind ik leuk
Leuk
47:05
Sue Gray has gone and Morgan Mcsweeney is in charge. Where does this leave Keir Starmer and his confused and confusing government? Plus brilliant questions from the Rock n Roll Politics co-operative, and important assembly notices. Subscribe to Patreon here for bonus podcasts and much more. Written and presented by Steve Richards. Learn more about …
…
continue reading
1
Why Are The Conservatives Still Talking To Themselves?
52:53
52:53
Later Afspelen
Later Afspelen
Lijsten
Vind ik leuk
Leuk
52:53
The Conservatives were slaughtered at the latest election, and yet its leadership candidates are still singing the same old tune. Is the party weaker now than it was in 1997? Plus brilliant questions from the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, and important assembly notices. Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place next Monday. Tickets here: htt…
…
continue reading
1
Can Labour recover from its wobbly start?
39:33
39:33
Later Afspelen
Later Afspelen
Lijsten
Vind ik leuk
Leuk
39:33
The first Labour conference after a landslide win should be celebratory, but in Liverpool the mood is uncertain. Can Keir Starmer give his government a clearer sense of purpose? Rock n Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on October 7th. Tickets here! Subscribe to Patreon here for bonus podcasts and much more. Written and presented by Steve Richard…
…
continue reading
1
Can the Lib Dems Make Any Impact on a Landslide Government?
51:01
51:01
Later Afspelen
Later Afspelen
Lijsten
Vind ik leuk
Leuk
51:01
The Lib Dems won 72 seats at the election. While this is an epic achievement, it will have little influence over a government with a commanding majority. But is there one policy where they could play an historic role? Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on October 7th. Tickets here. Subscribe to Patreon here for bonus podcasts and much more…
…
continue reading
1
Does the government need to be unpopular?
50:12
50:12
Later Afspelen
Later Afspelen
Lijsten
Vind ik leuk
Leuk
50:12
Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves are refusing to budge over the winter fuel payment saga – and both argue they are willing to be unpopular if the decision is the 'right one'. But is this the smart strategic course? And is unpopularity an inevitable consequence of 'tough' leadership? Plus, answers to brilliant listener questions and some vital assembl…
…
continue reading
1
Will the next Tory leader ever be prime minister?
54:16
54:16
Later Afspelen
Later Afspelen
Lijsten
Vind ik leuk
Leuk
54:16
Whoever wins the Tory leadership contest will face a titanic task. Are any of the six candidates up to it? And can Labour make the most of the political space while they decide? Support Rock & Roll politics on Patreon. Rock N Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on Oct 7th after the party conferences. Tickets here. Written and presented by Steve Ri…
…
continue reading
1
Do things have to get worse?
51:43
51:43
Later Afspelen
Later Afspelen
Lijsten
Vind ik leuk
Leuk
51:43
In Keir Starmer’s first major speech as Prime Minister he argues things will get worse before they will get better… Is this the right message and approach? Why are incoming Labour governments so much more cautious than their Conservative equivalents? Rock & Roll Politics is live at King’s Place London on Mon October 7. Tickets here Support the podc…
…
continue reading
1
The briefings against Sue Gray
34:06
34:06
Later Afspelen
Later Afspelen
Lijsten
Vind ik leuk
Leuk
34:06
The macho briefings against Sue Gray have echoes with those against Marcia Williams in the Harold Wilson era, and could have disruptive consequences. Plus latest from the Edinburgh Festival. Rock & Roll Politics is at the Edinburgh Festival every day until August 24, with a different show every time for the whole festival. Tickets here Support the …
…
continue reading
1
Are the Tories doomed whoever is the next leader?
39:35
39:35
Later Afspelen
Later Afspelen
Lijsten
Vind ik leuk
Leuk
39:35
With Reform breathing down their necks should the next Tory leader seek to work with Farage or try to destroy him? Either route is fraught with explosive problems… Rock & Roll Politics is at the Edinburgh Festival every day until August 24, with a different show every time for the whole festival. Tickets here Support the podcast on Patreon here for…
…
continue reading
1
Are the riots more than a law and order issue?
47:39
47:39
Later Afspelen
Later Afspelen
Lijsten
Vind ik leuk
Leuk
47:39
There are attempts to elevate the activities of criminal thugs by suggesting that they are “on to something”. Are they? Plus brilliant questions on the riots, Rachel Reeves, and how to pronounce Kamala. Rock & Roll Politics is at the Edinburgh Festival from Sun Aug 11th and then every day, with a different show every time for the whole festival. Ti…
…
continue reading
1
Has Rachel Reeves won the case for tax rises?
56:14
56:14
Later Afspelen
Later Afspelen
Lijsten
Vind ik leuk
Leuk
56:14
Labour was not candid about the state of public finances before the election. Can it be so now, without losing public trust? Back us on Patreon to join the Post-Election Post-Mortem on ZOOM on Tue 30 July – plus you’ll get bonus podcasts, live events, exclusive merchandise and much more. Rock & Roll Politics is at the Edinburgh Festival from Aug 11…
…
continue reading
1
Why do doomed leaders struggle to quit?
50:28
50:28
Later Afspelen
Later Afspelen
Lijsten
Vind ik leuk
Leuk
50:28
President Biden will not fight a second term… but it's taken him a long time to reach an obvious conclusion that was right in front of us. And he’s not alone. Most leaders do not dare to accept that it’s over when it is. Plus, more on Labour's foreign policy, your questions and much more. Back us on Patreon to join the Post-Election Post-Mortem on …
…
continue reading
1
Where next for the ‘Special Relationship’ amid US turmoil?
51:19
51:19
Later Afspelen
Later Afspelen
Lijsten
Vind ik leuk
Leuk
51:19
The attempted assassination of Donald Trump is a symbol of a disturbed democracy and will be another destabilising factor for the US. UK Prime Ministers choose to hug the US close, but how reliable an ally is the US for a British government seeking a more mature foreign policy after the reckless misrule of recent years? Plus: Why England losing is …
…
continue reading
1
Has Keir Starmer won the political space to be daring?
58:00
58:00
Later Afspelen
Later Afspelen
Lijsten
Vind ik leuk
Leuk
58:00
Keir Starmer is only the third Labour leader to enter Number 10 having won a landslide. Only Attlee and Blair achieved similar results. Starmer has the bonus of facing a demoralised and divided Tory party. How will he make use of rare political space? Plus, as ever, your brilliant questions. Rock & Roll Politics is live daily at the Edinburgh Festi…
…
continue reading
1
What have we learnt from this strange election?
54:13
54:13
Later Afspelen
Later Afspelen
Lijsten
Vind ik leuk
Leuk
54:13
Labour's mammoth lead has been virtually unchanged from the start of the campaign six weeks ago. Despite this the election has been full of surprises and if we look closely enough there is much to discover from the oddest campaign in decades. Support Rock & Roll politics on Patreon. Rock & Roll Politics – the post election special is live at Kings …
…
continue reading
1
Rock & Roll Politics Live – The election bonus
1:37:05
1:37:05
Later Afspelen
Later Afspelen
Lijsten
Vind ik leuk
Leuk
1:37:05
A special bonus episode! We recorded the Rock & Roll Politics live show at Kings Place in London on the 24th of June for all to listen back to. It’s the only show of the election campaign, complete with unreliable predictions, reflections on all the main parties and audience questions. Support Rock & Roll politics on Patreon. Rock & Roll Politics –…
…
continue reading
1
Will Labour get the economic growth they need?
55:20
55:20
Later Afspelen
Later Afspelen
Lijsten
Vind ik leuk
Leuk
55:20
Most Labour leaders have argued that economic growth is the key to improving public services but will the distinct policies of Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves deliver? Support Rock & Roll politics on Patreon. Rock n Roll Politics – the post election special is live at Kings Place on July 10th. If the polls are right it will be the first live show at…
…
continue reading
1
How will the Tory media deal with a Labour landslide?
56:35
56:35
Later Afspelen
Later Afspelen
Lijsten
Vind ik leuk
Leuk
56:35
The Tory papers and their online equivalents are used to setting the agenda, having played their part in successive election victories for the Conservatives. The BBC has tended to be heavily influenced by these newspapers. So how will they respond to a transformed political landscape and how should a Labour government deal with the media? Plus bril…
…
continue reading
1
Why is the election 'tax and spend' debate dangerous and bonkers?
48:42
48:42
Later Afspelen
Later Afspelen
Lijsten
Vind ik leuk
Leuk
48:42
Look at the government's own figures and it's obvious that taxes and borrowing will have to rise or else there will be further cuts to the UK's decaying public services. Why can't the parties be more honest? Has it always been like this in elections? What are the consequences? Plus brilliant questions and a key notice for the Rock N Roll Politics c…
…
continue reading
1
What are the deeper lessons of the Diane Abbott saga?
55:29
55:29
Later Afspelen
Later Afspelen
Lijsten
Vind ik leuk
Leuk
55:29
Behind the surface frenzy of the Diane Abbott saga are two overlooked questions. Does a leader have a right to have a say who is selected as candidates? What is the role of an MP? The ambition of all candidates is to be an MP, but is there any clear sense of what's expected of an MP? In this case also there are questions about how Keir Starmer and …
…
continue reading
1
The Tory Campaign – Why is it the most calamitous start in modern times?
47:53
47:53
Later Afspelen
Later Afspelen
Lijsten
Vind ik leuk
Leuk
47:53
So far the Conservative campaign makes Labour’s in 1983 and Theresa May’s in 2017 seem slick and confident. Why does it seem so indisciplined and ill thought-through? The answer lies in the mind of Rishi Sunak. Rock & Roll Politics: The Bonus Election Special is live at Kings Place, London on June 24th. Tickets here. Rock & Roll Politics is live at…
…
continue reading
Rishi Sunak surprised most of us by calling an election for July 4th. Why has he done it when he's 20 points behind? What will happen in the campaign and how will the parties handle the new levels of intense scrutiny? It’s time for the Rock N Roll Politics co-operative to gather more often than usual to make sense of the suddenly changed political …
…
continue reading
1
Contaminated Blood – Will the familiar lessons ever be learnt?
43:26
43:26
Later Afspelen
Later Afspelen
Lijsten
Vind ik leuk
Leuk
43:26
A familiar pattern forms again: scandals, cover up, victims struggling to prove the truth and an inquiry that reveals a dysfunctional state. Where does power lie in the UK? And what happens next? Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on July 10th I'm also live at the Edinburgh Festival from Sun Aug 11th with a new show every day. Get tickets …
…
continue reading
1
Can Keir Starmer stop the boats?
46:21
46:21
Later Afspelen
Later Afspelen
Lijsten
Vind ik leuk
Leuk
46:21
What a silly question. We all know the answer to that one. And yet that was what was asked of Starmer at a point of unusual distinctiveness. He reiterated his unqualified opposition to the Rwanda populism, but did so at that moment of ambiguity. Plus, the defection of Natalie Elphicke: there are many lessons, not least for the media asking the sill…
…
continue reading
1
Do the Tory Right know what they want?
58:47
58:47
Later Afspelen
Later Afspelen
Lijsten
Vind ik leuk
Leuk
58:47
After the elections, Sunak’s right wing dissenters called off their planned coup even though the results were disastrous for the Tories, while outlining their agenda for the future… which is similar to the one Sunak is pursuing. Do they know what they are doing? Plus, the dangers of Keir Starmer walking into traps in his attempt to avoid others, an…
…
continue reading
1
Has the SNP become impossible to lead?
48:41
48:41
Later Afspelen
Later Afspelen
Lijsten
Vind ik leuk
Leuk
48:41
A First Minister and SNP leader falls after a short tenure. Like the Tory party’s problems in Westminster, does the SNP leadership crisis raise thorny questions well beyond the flaws of one leader? And with what implications? Rock & Roll Politics: The Pre-Election Special is live at Kings Place on July 10th. Tickets here Back Rock & Roll Politics o…
…
continue reading
1
Who is Winning The Battle of Ideas?
55:59
55:59
Later Afspelen
Later Afspelen
Lijsten
Vind ik leuk
Leuk
55:59
Nigel Lawson once noted that the party that wins the battle of ideas wins elections. He was right. Ideas matter and yet play little part in the contest between Sunak and Starmer. But the Right remain ideologically confident. Will a Labour government be able to counter the anti-state onslaught that is bound to happen? Plus exciting notices and brill…
…
continue reading
1
Harold Wilson’s affair and how we misread leaders
57:25
57:25
Later Afspelen
Later Afspelen
Lijsten
Vind ik leuk
Leuk
57:25
In his last term as Prime Minister, Harold Wilson was seen as old, paranoid and ineffective… yet now we discover he was lively enough to be having an affair. This suggests the caricature might be wrong. What if Wilson was livelier politically too? And what if we choose to see other leaders as stereotypes which do not present anything like the full …
…
continue reading
1
This Time No Mistakes – In Conversation with Will Hutton
1:00:46
1:00:46
Later Afspelen
Later Afspelen
Lijsten
Vind ik leuk
Leuk
1:00:46
The journalist and author Will Hutton has written an important new book on the eve of what’s likely to be a Labour government. The title is stark: This Time No Mistakes. But what mistakes were made? What are the lessons of the past? What are his hopes and fears for a Keir Starmer government? This Time No Mistakes is published on April 11th. Buy it …
…
continue reading
1
Rock & Roll Politics Live – The Easter Special
1:40:56
1:40:56
Later Afspelen
Later Afspelen
Lijsten
Vind ik leuk
Leuk
1:40:56
A rare chance to hear a live show… this one recorded in the main concert hall at Kings Place, London. On the agenda: How do the dramas around the current government compare with other ‘fin de siecle’ administrations? How does Keir Starmer compare with Harold Wilson and Tony Blair when they were on the edge of power? Plus unreliable predictions… Que…
…
continue reading
1
Can Rachel Reeves win the battle of ideas?
50:55
50:55
Later Afspelen
Later Afspelen
Lijsten
Vind ik leuk
Leuk
50:55
Nigel Lawson once said a party that wins the battle of ideas wins the election... Rachel Reeves has started to engage in this battle of ideas during her Mais Lecture. Labour are way ahead in the polls, so is this a battle they can win? Support Rock & Roll Politics on Patreon for bonus podcasts, special events and much more. Learn more about your ad…
…
continue reading
With polls suggesting a slaughter at the election will Tory MPs seek to replace Sunak … and should they? Tickets for the next Rock n Roll Politics Live: Kings Place on 26th March 2024 Support Rock & Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and exclusive merchandise only available to subscribers. Buy Steve’s book …
…
continue reading
1
From Johnson to Starmer – How much does character matter?
57:17
57:17
Later Afspelen
Later Afspelen
Lijsten
Vind ik leuk
Leuk
57:17
We are obsessed by the character of leaders, even if context, ideas and external circumstances can determine the fate of a government as much as character. Keir Starmer has been unusually hard to pin down, which is why I was keen to speak to Tom Baldwin. Although he has done many interviews to promote his new book on the Labour leader, I sensed the…
…
continue reading
1
Where’s the passionate anger over the crisis in UK?
48:38
48:38
Later Afspelen
Later Afspelen
Lijsten
Vind ik leuk
Leuk
48:38
The nightmare in Gaza triggers chaos in the Commons, a victory for George Galloway and apocalyptic warnings from Rishi Sunak… and yet there’s broad agreement in the UK about the need for a ceasefire. Meanwhile on most domestic issues where there should be an intense political battle, there seems to be a passive consensus. Rock & Roll Politics is li…
…
continue reading
1
Has Liz Truss got a point?
47:17
47:17
Later Afspelen
Later Afspelen
Lijsten
Vind ik leuk
Leuk
47:17
Amidst the delusional craziness of Liz Truss’s interventions, she raises one valid question: Does too much power lie in unelected institutions? Since 1979 a huge amount of power has been handed over by elected politicians, and only Truss explores the implications as she sees them. Time for the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative to step in and save a…
…
continue reading
1
Starmer and Rayner – What does she think of him?
59:24
59:24
Later Afspelen
Later Afspelen
Lijsten
Vind ik leuk
Leuk
59:24
In Tom Baldwin's new biography of Keir Starmer, Angela Rayner describes the Labour leader as “the least political person I know in politics”. What does she mean? Is she right about Starmer? And what are the implications? Rock & Roll Politics is live in March: The Ropetackle, Shoreham, Wed Mar 13th: https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/events/steve-richar…
…
continue reading
1
Why are the Tories bolder when on the verge of power?
51:32
51:32
Later Afspelen
Later Afspelen
Lijsten
Vind ik leuk
Leuk
51:32
Labour is way ahead in the polls and has dropped its most radical policy, the £28 billion green recovery plan. But in opposition, in the build up to the 1979 and 2010 elections, the Conservatives put forward radical right wing programmes – and won from opposition. They did not retreat. Why is Labour more cautious and less confident? Rock N Roll Pol…
…
continue reading
1
Labour’s £28 billion saga – Has an exciting policy become a threat?
52:26
52:26
Later Afspelen
Later Afspelen
Lijsten
Vind ik leuk
Leuk
52:26
Starmer and Reeves have got in a mess over their pledge to borrow £28 billion for a green recovery programme. The proposal has been marked by defensive ‘retreats’ when it would enable UK to compete with the US and EU and bring good news to every voter. Why has this happened, and what can be done about it? Plus, points from the Rock N Roll Co-operat…
…
continue reading
1
Will Tory MPs dump Sunak?
51:36
51:36
Later Afspelen
Later Afspelen
Lijsten
Vind ik leuk
Leuk
51:36
Attempted coups against PMs and leaders are becoming increasingly familiar. Will the current plot against Sunak succeed? Support Rock N Roll Politics on Patreon to get bonus editions, merchandise and more. Rock N Roll Politics is live with a brand new show at Kings Place on March 26th. Get in-person or streaming tickets here Learn more about your a…
…
continue reading
1
The myths of Blair’s ‘97 campaign – and why Starmer is being judged unfairly.
52:18
52:18
Later Afspelen
Later Afspelen
Lijsten
Vind ik leuk
Leuk
52:18
It’s become a cliché that Keir Starmer's pitch lacks the clarity and sense of purpose that marked New Labour's victory in 1997. But Blair’s over-mythologised win was a lot lighter on specifics than we tend to remember, says Steve Richards. Support Rock & Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and exclusive merc…
…
continue reading
1
How can Britain start working again?
59:06
59:06
Later Afspelen
Later Afspelen
Lijsten
Vind ik leuk
Leuk
59:06
Last week Steve Richards asked what the deeper lessons were from the Post Office scandal. The responses from the Rock N Roll Politics Co-operative suggests it merely reflects a much wider problem. How do we even begin to fix Britain? Or to be more precise; how does a future Labour government fix it? Plus important notices on exclusive new content f…
…
continue reading